Water management: Dhaka seeks 50-year masterplan from China

 

Water management: Dhaka seeks 50-year masterplan from China

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus holds a meeting with Li Guoying, China’s Water Resources Minister, at a state guesthouse in Beijing on March 28, 2025. Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought a 50-year master plan from China to manage Bangladesh's river and water systems, which are crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers.

He made the request during a meeting with Li Guoying, China's Water Resources Minister, at a state guesthouse in Beijing on the third day of his four-day visit to the country.

Prof Yunus praised China's water and flood management system, saying the country has made remarkable progress in handling water issues.

"We face the same challenges as you. We would be happy if you share your experiences," the chief adviser told the Chinese minister.

He emphasised that while Bangladesh is home to hundreds of rivers, rapid population growth has made concrete planning for river management an urgent necessity.

Calling China a leader in water management, the chief adviser urged the minister to share President Xi Jinping's vision on the issue.

"We have come here to learn from you -- how we can make water resources more useful to people," he said.

The chief adviser noted that increasing population pressure and development demands are pushing people to occupy riverside lands, leading to pollution and disrupting the natural flow of water bodies.

He added that India, where most of Bangladesh's rivers originate, is facing similar challenges.

The Chinese minister acknowledged that both countries share common water management challenges and promised technical support and expertise for Bangladesh.

"Water management is a key issue for Bangladesh, and China faces similar challenges," he said, noting that 85% of Bangladesh's population lives in flood-prone plains, complicating water management efforts.

He added that China is following a master plan led by President Xi to address these challenges.

"We need your help to design a plan for us," the chief adviser said, highlighting the Teesta River System and the cleaning of polluted rivers around Dhaka as Bangladesh's top priorities.

The chief adviser is currently on a four-day visit to China, holding meetings with Chinese leaders and investors to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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